Tony Dorsett respects Michael Sam's courage but questions if NFL is ready for an openly gay player

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Keith Srakocic/AP

In this Nov. 9, 2013, file photo, former Pittsburgh and NFL Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett stands on the sideline before the start of an NCAA football game between Pittsburgh and Notre Dame in Pittsburgh.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett isn't sure if the NFL is ready to have an openly gay player in the league.

The four-time Pro Bowl running back for the Dallas Cowboys was asked Tuesday for his thoughts on Missouri defensive end Michael Sam revealing Sunday that he is gay. Sam, the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to be drafted in May.

"I respect his courage to come out like that," Dorsett told The Afternoon Show with Cowlishaw and Mosley on 103.3 [KESN-FM]. "I never thought it would happen. I never thought a football player would step up to the plate."

Dorsett said he was surprised by the announcement because the NFL environment is one "where the men are men, so to speak … with the way we carry ourselves in the locker rooms and the way things go."

"I appreciate his courage," Dorsett added. "I can appreciate his courage for stepping up like that and doing it, but I don't know, man. I don't know if the NFL is ready for this. They'll say they are but I don't know if they're quite ready for it."

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